Darden Restaurants Inc (NYSE:DRI) reported Q2 FY24 sales growth of 9.7% year-on-year to $2.727 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $2.741 billion. Despite the revenue shortfall, margins and EPS were ahead of expectations, demonstrating strong operational execution. Stephens analyst Joshua Long maintained an Overweight rating on DRI with a $170 price target. The company's sales growth was attributed to a 2.8% increase in same-restaurant sales. Current trends for December align with consensus expectations, and the casual dining segment may see relief based on DRI's performance. The company's revenue guidance was adjusted due to macroeconomic challenges, but this was balanced by a better inflation outlook and consistent unit development. DRI's stock traded down 0.55% at $162.19.